AKUGBE FOR GOOD LEADERSHIP UNITY FORUM INAUGURATED
Eminent Esan sons and daughters awarded
By: Oriaifoh Godwins
On Saturday, 24TH of September 2022 the Akugbe for Good Leadership Unity Forum was inaugurated. The inauguration ceremony came up at the Esan west local government council hall, Ekpoma, Edo state.
In his address, the President of the Forum, Comrade Shaba Mien Mien, who was unavoidably absent, but was represented by the General Secretary of the forum, Mr. Martin Momodu, said, the unity of Esan people is paramount, and as a united body, Akugbe for Good Leadership Unity Forum will in partnership with the Esan race, achieve a common goal.
Continuing, the President of the Forum said; ‘…what we are witnessing today will be remembered by our children yet unborn, as they will always follow the vision of this forum as Esan Akugbe for Good Leadership, Unity Forum will be a reference point for development, unity, peace and progress of Esan land and Edo State at large’.
Chronicling how the forum all started, the President said, before the existence of Esan Akugbe for Good Leadership, Unity Forum was formed, he, a musician, had composed and released an album titled ‘’Esan Akugbe’’ where he sang about the need for the unity of Esan land. The popularity of the music, he said, further led to the conception of the idea of the forum on the 3rd of November 2021, and since then it has been a unifying force for Esan people.
Comrade Shaba Mien mien emphasized that, Esan Akugbe for Good Leadership Unity Forum is a non-partisan and non-Governmental organization, as it is purely conceived out of the zeal, zest and passion to unite Esan people and place them on the world map. It is clearly devoid of all forms of political affiliations and entanglement. Saying; “…Even as an apolitical organization, what we solely preach and yearn for is the Esan agenda and how Esan people will be projected into the political airspace, irrespective of political party, in order to bring home the dividends of democracy in relation to growth and development of our land…”
Enumerating the achievements of the Forum, in the short period of time of its operation, Comrade Shaba Mien mien said, since the establishment of the forum in November 2021, the forum has achieved a lot, including but not limited to; the setting up of a committee to mediate with the Special Intervention Team of Ambrose Alli University, with a view to restore peace in the University. Proffering a long lasting solution to the Hausa market at Ujoelen junction, Ekpoma, that had conspicuously blocked the flow of flood in the area, especially whenever it rains; the invitation of the Speaker of Edo state House of Assembly, Hon Marcus Onobun to speak to Esan people via a zoom meeting and also join in proffering a long lasting solution to the devastating situation in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma and the College of Education, Igueben; Invitation of political aspirants and candidates to quiz them on their agenda if they eventually get elected.
Again, he said; ‘…in Esan Akugbe for Good Leadership Unity Forum, we recognize selfless service, hard work and commitment to Esan land. In this auspicious ceremony, we will specially recognize and give awards to those that have greatly contributed their quota to the growth and development of Esan land and its people….’
‘… We do not trivialize and negate the fact that they have been instrumental to the development of our land. They will be continually remembered for their good works...’
Just as Professor Matthew Izibili who gave the keynote address at the event Philosophically explained the idea of ‘Anegbemu’, (helping one another) Comrade Shaba Mien Mien concluded by saying; ‘…If we unite, we will achieve more and form a formidable force that cannot be broken.’
Esan men and women that were recognised and given awards at the event, include: Late Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, Late Professor Ambrose Alli, Late Chief Anthony Enahoro, Late Dr. Christopher Gbelokoto Okojie and Late Chief Anthony Aneni, who were all given posthumous awards. Others include, the President of Esan Akugbe Forum, Comrade Shaba Mien mien, Prof. George Akpede, Prof. Sylvanus Okogbenin, Bishop Matthew Okpebholo, Chief Dr. Ulinfun, Chief Tom Ikimi, Rt. Hon. Sergius Ogun, Dame Christiana Okojie, Prof. Agnes Uduebor and Dr. Billy Okojie
.